Baseball & The Chamber

The World Series finally opens tonight with the Phillies and Rays playing the first two games of the best-of-7 series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. There will certainly be many people in the Ocean County area rooting for the Phills including those that watched some of the teams current stars play for the Lakewood BlueClaws. BlueClaw alumni include tonight’s starting pitcher Cole Hamels, slugging first baseman Ryan Howard, catcher Carlos Ruiz and relief pitcher J.A. Haap. Lou Marson, who was called up from the minors in September will serve as the Phillies bullpen catcher during the series. He was the BlueClaws catcher when they won the South Atlantic League Championship in 2006.

The Phillies are trying to win their second World Series with the only other coming in 1980. Tampa Bay, in their 11th year of existence, had its first winning season this year. I like the Rays to win in 7 games but I’ve been wrong throughout the post-season so my opinion is pretty worthless.

On the subject of baseball, the Manchester Little League is holding a fundraising Texas Hold’Em Tournament this Saturday at the Toms River Elks Lodge on Washington Street in Toms River. Participation is limited and players must be 21 years old to attend. There will be ten cash prizes, including a first prize of $3000. For information you can call Pat Barry at
(732) 904-0795 and you should call him today. That’s (732) 904-0795.

The Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual membership drive today and tomorrow. During tough economic times it’s easy for businesses to look to cut items like Chamber membership but now more than ever they really need an advocate for them and that’s part of what we do. I say we because as Chairman I obviously believe very strongly in the work of our organization, much of which is done behind the scenes.
The mission of the Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce is to advance and develop the commercial, professional, industrial, civic, cultural, recreational and general interest of the community while looking out for the interests of businesses.

While your business may get a phone call today about membership you don’t have to wait….call (732) 349-0220 and find out about our programs and why joining is a great investment.